WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has introduced legislation that would suspend pay for members of Congress until the federal government reopens, as the country faces a month-long shutdown that has become the longest in history.
Kennedy’s two bills, the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act and the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act, would halt pay for senators and representatives during the shutdown.
Under the proposals, lawmakers also would not receive back pay once the government reopens.
“I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips. My bills ensure Congress feels the same pain as the folks we’re failing to pay – our troops, air traffic controllers, and federal workers. If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck – plain and simple,” Kennedy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said.
The Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act specifically directs payroll administrators in both chambers of Congress to keep members’ paychecks in escrow accounts during a shutdown.
The funds would only be disbursed at the start of the next Congress.
In the House of Representatives, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) introduced a companion bill to Kennedy’s legislation.
